Master's thesis: Migration and systems transformation

Climate-related displacement, ageing populations and skills shortages are increasing the need for effective migration systems. In Sweden, efforts to improve these systems are often fragmented rather than coordinated across the whole ecosystem. This thesis explores how RISE’s experience of facilitating transformation in other complex systems could be applied to migration.

The assignment

• Agree on a research focus with RISE that reflects your interests and academic background.
• Potential activities include reviewing and connecting research on systems transformation, transition management and migration systems and infrastructure.
• Map Sweden’s migration ecosystem and initiatives involving or supporting its actors.
• Interview relevant stakeholders and draw out lessons from RISE’s previous systems transformation work.
• Explore a platform for ecosystem coordination and systems transformation through workshops and prototyping with stakeholders from Sweden’s innovation and migration ecosystems.

Who we are looking for

• Master’s students who bring an interdisciplinary perspective.
• Relevant study areas include spatial planning, sustainability, political science, management, business development, internationalisation, economics and human geography.
• Students in other disciplines are also welcome if they are interested in systems thinking and systems transformation.

What we offer

• Supervision led by Per Lindahl and collaboration with RISE colleagues.
• The opportunity to shape the thesis focus jointly with RISE.
• Most of the work can be carried out remotely.
• Financial support of SEK 10,000 for travel and other expenses, paid after completion.

Practical details

Scope: 30 credits over one semester. Collaboration is primarily with colleagues in Umeå, with additional colleagues in Stockholm and Gothenburg. Travel is expected, particularly to Umeå, Stockholm and Gothenburg. Applicants from all Swedish universities are welcome. Apply by 31 January without a cover letter. Selection and interviews take place on an ongoing basis during and after the application period. For questions, contact Per Lindahl at per.lindahl@ri.se.